ACEIs/ARBs May Be Protective for COVID-19 Patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be associated with protective effects for patients with COVID-19. The analysis included 52 studies that evaluated clinical outcomes among 101 949 total patients, of whom 26.0% were receiving ACEIs or ARBs. When adjusted for covariates, significant reductions in the risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.57) and severe adverse events (AEs, aOR, 0.68) were found. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of a subgroup of patients with high blood pressure indicated decreases in the risk of death (unadjusted OR, 0.66; aOR, 0.51) and severe AEs (unadjusted OR, 0.70; aOR, 0.55). The findings are consistent with previous meta-analysis in patients with high blood pressure, extend to patients with multiple mixed comorbidities, and support the recommendations of medical societies to continue receiving ACEIs and ARBs for patients with COVID-19. Source: https://jamanetwork.com/